Chapter 881

"It's a long story. Let's go inside first."

Vivian Laurent pulled Isabella Langley and Lucas Lefèvre into the house, shivering from the biting wind outside.

The moment they stepped in, Isabella and Lucas cornered Vivian on the couch like interrogators.

"I did go abroad, but the climate wasn't suitable for pregnancy," Vivian twisted her fingers. "And I have patients waiting for me here."

She deliberately kept her tone casual.

Isabella arched a brow. "You said you loved it there."

Vivian cursed Ethan Roscente inwardly—he must have sent those messages from her phone.

"The scenery was nice, but my patients come first."

"What kind of patient is so urgent?" Isabella's gaze sharpened.

Vivian mentally classified Ethan as a critical case. "A rare condition. Only I can treat it."

"Isn't your pregnancy more important?"

"The due date is still far off. A few days won't matter." Vivian exhaled discreetly.

Isabella leaned in abruptly. "Then why did Ethan Roscente call you his girlfriend? Why did you only tell him you were back?"

The question struck like a dagger.

A thin layer of sweat formed on Vivian's back. "I ran into him right after landing. Pure coincidence."

"And?"

"We made a bet." Vivian grasped at straws. "I lost, so I had to pretend to be his girlfriend for two days."

The living room fell so silent a pin drop would echo.

Isabella scoffed. "Do I look like a toddler to you?"

"It's true!" Vivian doubled down. "Just playing along with his charade."

Isabella seized her wrist. "Did he threaten you?"

"Who could threaten me?" Vivian forced calm.

"Then he has dirt on you?"

Vivian's heart skipped. "What dirt could he possibly have?"

She couldn't reveal Ethan's actions—not with these two hotheads ready to storm his gates. This mess was complicated enough.

"Consider it a vacation." She deflected. "The baby isn't due anytime soon."

Vivian stared fixedly at the carpet pattern, afraid her guilt would show.